15 Popular Children’s Books That Have Been Banned In America

There are so many incredible children’s books on the shelves of many stores. Some of my favorites are still favored by children today. But what you probably didn’t know is that a lot of those classic books are banned in some states in America.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? – Purchase it here.In 2010, The Texas State Board of Education briefly banned this picture book after confusing its author, Bill Martin, Jr., with philosopher Bill Martin, author of ‘Ethical Marxism: The Categorical Imperative of Liberation.’

The Wizard Of Oz – Purchase it here.In 1928, all public libraries in Chicago banned The Wizard Of Oz because of its “ungodly” influence “for depicting women in strong leadership roles.” Also in 1957, the Detroit Public Library banned the book for having “no value for children of today.”

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Purchase it here.Charlie And The Chocolate Factory was banned in Colorado for “poor philosophy of life.” Since 1964, the book was under fire for comparing the Oompa Loompas to Africans. The characters’ descriptions were later changed in an edited version in 1988.

Green Eggs and Ham – Purchase it here.Green Eggs And Ham was banned in California for accusations of “homosexual seduction.” It was also banned in China for “early Marxism” from 1965 until Dr. Seuss’ death in 1991.

The Lorax – Purchase it here.In 1989, a California school district banned The Lorax and claimed that it “criminalized the foresting industry”.

Where the Wild Things Are – Purchase it here.Where the Wild Things Are was banned in most southern states immediately following its publication due to the fact that it promotes “witchcraft and supernatural events.”

Alice In Wonderland – Purchase it here.Alice In Wonderland – Apparently there are references to sexual fantasies and masturbation in this book, therefore being banned in classrooms in New Hampshire. This book was also challenged in the 1960s, in fear that it would promote drug use to children.

Charlotte’s Web – Purchase it here.In 2006, Charlotte’s Web was banned in Kansas because talking animals are considered an “insult to god”.

Bridge to Terabithia – Purchase it here.Bridge To Terabithia– In 1996, it was removed from several classrooms in Pennsylvania on accounts of “profanity, disrespect for adults, and an elaborate fantasy world that might lead to confusion.” The book has also been banned by other schools for its use of the phrases “Oh Lord” and “Lord”.

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl – Purchase it here.The Diary Of Anne Frank – This book has been banned several different times. Most recently, in May of 2013, a Michigan mom tried to get the book banned due to its “pornographic tendencies.”

Harriet The Spy – In 1983 this book was removed from several schools for being “a bad example for children.” It was also challenged for teaching “children to lie, spy, talk back, and curse.”

James and the Giant Peach – Purchase it here.James And The Giant Peach – In 1999, this book was banned in Texas for using the word “ass”.

Winnie The Pooh – In 2006, several institutions in Turkey and the UK banned this book, claiming that the character of Piglet is offensive to Muslims. Other institutions claim that the book revolves around Nazism.

The Giving Tree – Purchase it here.The Giving Tree – In 1988, this childhood favorite was banned from a public library in Colorado because it was considered “sexist”.

Where’s Waldo? – This favorite was also banned because it showed a nude woman on the beach.

Did you know that some of your favorite books were once banned in America? I am surprised by some of the reasons too.